Regional partnership and digital transformation agreement for tourism 2022-2025 – Attractions, activities and facilities

Who is eligible?

Tourism businesses (including for-profit, non-profit organizations, and cooperatives), municipal entities, recognized Indigenous communities and nations, and any grouping of these eligible client types, provided they are legally constituted in Quebec or Canada and operate in Quebec. These entities must adhere to previous commitments if they have received prior grants and must comply with regulations for tourist accommodation or nature and adventure tourism activities. Excluded applicants include state corporations, government ministries, and businesses on the public contracts ineligibility register or not compliant with Quebec's French language requirements.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions are intended to ensure funding supports eligible sectors that align with the grant's goals.

• State corporations and ministries or agencies of the Quebec and Canadian governments.
• Companies listed in the register of businesses ineligible for public contracts.
• Companies that do not comply with the francization process of the Office québécois de la langue française.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and enhancement of the tourism projects.

• Costs related to construction, reconstruction, enlargement, development, adaptation, conversion, or replacement of infrastructure or equipment.
• Fees paid to recognized professionals for design, engineering, technical personnel, project management, or project monitoring.
• Costs associated with the development, layout, and enhancement of lands and trails.
• Costs for the purchase and installation of specialized equipment and furniture.
• Acquisition costs of boats or rolling stock to enhance the customer experience.
• Acquisition costs of land, easements, rights of way, and other related expenses necessary for project execution.
• Surveying costs of the construction site.
• Quality control costs at the construction site.
• Net taxes (excluding refundable parts) related to eligible costs.
• Costs associated with integrating artwork into a building or site as per the Quebec government's Art Integration Policy.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is designed for companies operating specifically in the region of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean in Quebec, Canada. This targeted approach ensures support for local businesses within the designated geographical scope.

• Companies located in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Canada.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Entente de partenariat régional et de transformation numérique en tourisme 2022-2025 are based on several criteria to ensure alignment with its strategic objectives.

• Alignment with the objectives of the EPRTNT.
• Structural impact, including attractiveness, project scope, potential outcomes, collaboration with other partners, job creation, and season extension.
• Innovative nature of the project.
• Quality in terms of concept, products, and services.
• Financial structure and project financing.
• Relevance to target tourist clientele, market diversification, competition analysis, quality of the offer, marketing strategy, and partnerships.
• Feasibility, including timeline, marketing strategy, quality of the business plan or project study, and promoter's expertise.
• Incorporation of sustainable development principles.
• Relevance to the strategic itinerary of the destination.

• Step 1: Gather Required Documents
• Ensure you have a completed and signed application form.
• Prepare a comprehensive business plan including necessary permits and authorizations.
• Collect the most recent financial statements for the past two years or equivalent documents for municipal and Indigenous community entities.
• Create projected financial statements for the next three years post-project implementation.
• Obtain a resolution from the board of directors or equivalent, authorizing the application.
• Include an email from the Ministry of Culture and Communications regarding the integration of arts policy if applicable.
• Secure confirmation of financial partners, if available.
• For tourism nature and adventure businesses, provide documentation of compliance or intent to comply with Aventure Écotourisme Québec's quality and safety standards.
• Include an Indigenous certification if applicable to determine the aid percentage.
• Step 2: Complete Application Form
• Fill out the "Demande d’aide financière EPRTNT Tourisme Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean" form accurately.
• Step 3: Submit Application
• Send the completed form and the required documents to drowsome@tourismesaglac.net.
• Step 4: Contact for Information
• If needed, reach out to David Rowsome, Development Consultant, at 418-543-3536, ext. 228 or via email at drowsome@tourismesaglac.net for assistance.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The financial intervention provided is non-repayable.
• A public call for tenders is required for construction contracts amounting to $100,000 or more.
• Projects involving construction or expansion costing $150,000 or more are subject to the Policy on the Integration of Art in Architecture and Environment.
• The assistance requires companies to comply with Quebec's Official Language Act provisions.
• Organizations with 100 or more employees receiving $100,000 or more must implement an equal access plan.
• Projects must include sustainable development measures to minimize environmental impact while achieving positive social and economic outcomes.